"What makes each summer special? For me, long days at the pool, movie nights at the park, and all the summer meals with fresh fruits and veggies. But as the summer heat continues to warm us up, I know that I’m not the only mama who can’t stand cooking for more than a few minutes over a hot stove. With the price of pretty much everything under the sun going up, I can’t justify ordering take-out more than once a week.
That’s why, more often than not, I find myself frantically Googling ‘summer meals’ that I won’t go into heat stroke cooking and the family will enjoy. Like most Google searches, it tends to take time to find my goldilocks recipe—the one that’s just right. Luckily for our readers, we did the grunt work for you. We searched high and low for all of the best summer meals, from apps to desserts, and gathered them into one place for you right here.
Whether you’re feeding a family on-the-go or making a quick lunch for yourself while your kids are at camp, here are 40+ of our favorite summer recipes for appetizers, mains dishes, and more!
Appetizers & Sides
1. Fresh Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce
Even though they’re named after summer’s predecessor, these light and crunchy rolls filled with fresh veggies and partnered with a bomb dipping sauce definitely hit the spot on a hot summer day.
2. Strawberry Baked Brie
Tis’ the season for (nearly) everyone’s favorite berry, and this easy-breezy brie recipe is a lovely way to bring them front and center.
3. Tomato Bruschetta
Grab fresh tomatoes from your garden or the local farmer’s market for an elevated appetizer or quick summer snack.
4. Best Guacamole Recipe
If we’re talking cool and no fuss apps when it’s hot outside, then a tried-and-true guacamole to pair alongside whatever you’re serving is a must.
5. Sesame Garlic Ramen
Spice up your ramen with this easy recipe that takes less than 10 minutes to prepare. Bonus: it’s so easy to make that your kids can lend a helping hand!
6. Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs make the perfect protein-packed appetizer on crazy hot days.
7. Baba Ganoush
While I typically don’t like cooking for more than 20 or so minutes at a time on hot days, this lemon eggplant dip is worth the extra effort. The lemon tahini flavor tastes tangy and delicious by the spoonful, on chips, or on some warm pita bread.
8. Fattoush Salad
This traditional Middle Eastern salad is a summer gem because it’s simple and features summer veggies at their finest, like vine-ripened tomatoes, cucumbers, and leafy heads of lettuce. For a simple salad, it’s also unique because it’s seasoned with sumac, a tangy and fragrant spice.
9. Black-Eyed Pea Salad
Salads are a go-to in summer because they are tasty and filling. This Black-Eyed pea salad hits all the checkmarks for flavor but is also protein-packed to keep you energized.
10. Garlic Roasted Artichokes
With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up these easy artichokes for an appetizer or side. Try pairing with a meat and cheese platter for a delicious and filling appetizer.
11. Roasted Corn Vegan Soup
I know that some people may balk at the idea of soup in warm weather, but this recipe is just so creamy and light—and includes summer-favorite roasted corn—that I had to include it. Plus, soups are such an easy way to sneak veggies into kid’s meals.
12. Authentic Gazpacho Recipe
Meanwhile, if it’s a chilled soup you crave, you’re in luck. The Spanish have perfected the art of the summer soup—gazpacho—and this recipe will show you how to whip it up like a pro.
13. Korean Cucumber Salad
There’s no better time of year to take advantage of cucumbers. I love this recipe because it has everything you could ever want: crunch, sweetness, and just a little spicy kick.
14. Fresh Corn Tomato Salad
Nothing screams “summer” to me quite like sweet corn—except maybe when it’s paired with fresh tomatoes and basil.
15. Grilled Zucchini
When you’ve already got the grill fired up, add this great side dish to your dinner menu. We also appreciate that it’s as easy as it is flavorful.
Main Dishes
16. Shrimp Pasta with Roasted Red Peppers and Artichokes
A Mediterranean-inspired pasta dish tossed with a light and citrusy sauce speaks to summer, and this recipe will pair wonderfully with a round of festive summer cocktails as the evening rolls in.
17. Salmon with Berry Salsa
Summer berry recipes are where it’s at, and we totally dig that this recipe has creatively transformed a salmon filet into a berry wonderful summertime meal.
18. Quick Bruschetta Chicken
If a meal was going to paint the town red, this is how chicken would do it—all dressed up in a generous (and scrumptious!) garnish of juicy tomato, fresh basil, and parmesan cheese.
19. Veggie Brown Rice Sushi
Summer meals that can be served chilled are especially ideal on those super hot days, and sushi’s usually an inviting one that can be fun to try making at home.
20. Panko-Crusted Chicken and Lemon Cream Sauce
Pair this crispy chicken with a tall glass of iced lemonade for the perfect summer dinner to dazzle guests—or your tiny humans.
21. Paleo Tuna Salad
Whether you’re looking for something a little healthier or just light and tasty, this tuna salad is a go-to in my house. You can pack it for a day at the beach or a picnic in your yard, and your children will gobble it all down.
22. Heirloom Tomato Sandwich
Another recipe for fresh summer tomatoes, make this sandwich with the traditional bacon and lettuce, or enjoy it without!
23. BLT Pasta
While BLT sandwiches are an easy meal, this BLT pasta tastes just as amazing cold as it does hot.
24. Beef Bulgogi
Bulgogi is a quick and flavorful dish that will quickly become one of your go-to summer recipes. You can pair it with rice and fresh-picked vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
25. Whole Red Snapper
This whole grilled snapper can be made in just 25 minutes in the oven as you prep a salad for a delicious weeknight dinner.
26. Thai Peanut Chicken Noodle Stir Fry
This stir fry has the perfect combination of spicy and sweet and comes together in just 20 minutes!
27. Chimichurri Flank Steak
Steak is a classic for fast dinners, but this chimichurri sauce takes this meal to the next level by adding flavor to every bite.
28. Grilled Teriyaki Salmon
Grilling makes dinners a thousand times easier when you are running around during the summer. You can use fresh or frozen salmon, and pair it with vegetables from your garden and some quick microwavable rice.
29. Slow Cooker Honey Chipotle Chicken Tacos
Slow cooker meals are great for the summer because they’re notoriously hands-off. Make these yummy chicken tacos for a delicious meal filled with the flavors of chipotle and honey.
Desserts
30. Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches
Why decide between cookies and ice cream for dessert when you can have both? This recipe shows you how to make sublime chocolate chip or sugar cookies from scratch to house your favorite ice creams.
31. Golden Oreo Dirt Cups
Say hello to a playful, no-bake summer dessert with these charming little dirt cups—golden style!
32. Raspados (Mexican Shaved Ice)
Upgrade snow cones to these traditional Mexican shaved ice treats that are blended with fresh mango, or whatever fruits you and family prefer.
33. No-Bake Chocolate Mousse Cake
This chocolate mousse may only require a handful of ingredients, but don’t let it fool you, it tastes very decadent.
34. Chocolate Crunch Bars
If you are looking for a dessert that doesn’t require plates to clean up, these chocolate crunch bars are a delicious option. Your kids can help you make them in the morning and then enjoy them after a long day at camp.
35. Banana Pudding
Pudding is an easy option on any day of the year, but I love this pudding because it’s not overly sweet and you can add a cookie for a satisfying crunch.
36. No-Bake Cheesecake
This no-bake cheesecake can be paired with a handful of flavors—like fresh summer fruits—making it completely customizable for picky kids.
37. Lemon Crumb Bars
Creamy and tangy, lemon crumb bars are a crowd pleaser and taste refreshing on a summer day.
38. Homemade Whipped Cream
My father used to make homemade whipped cream for my birthday when I was little, so it will always have a special place in my heart. Try pairing this delicious treat with fresh fruit for a simple, easy, and delicious summer dessert.
39. Black Raspberry Ice Cream
This summer dessert is just the treat you need to cool you down on very humid days. While there is a bit of prep, this creamy (but dairy-free!) ice cream makes it worth it.
40. Oatmeal Bites
Oatmeal Bites are a very easy afternoon snack or dessert that your children will love—and you’ll love them too because they’re a healthier treat.
41. Mango Yogurt Popsicles
Summertime would be incomplete without popsicles. I love that this recipe uses clean ingredients like fresh mango and Greek yogurt.
42. No Bake Peanut Butter Pie
While pie is usually a pillar of the winter holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas, who’s to say we can’t enjoy it in the summer? We’re all about the fact that this flavorful recipe doesn’t require any baking.
Brett Nicole Hayden, Assistant Editor
As the Assistant Editor, Brett works with the editors of The Everymom on the content creation process by updating stories, sourcing images and graphics, and pitching and contributing her own articles. Her favorite topics to write about are culture, relationships, and living. She’s also The Everymom’s resident baby names and family movies expert!
Katherine Ballesta-Rosen, Editorial Intern
Besides being an avid reader and writer since girlhood, Katherine decided to kick her literacy-laden background up a notch by receiving her Master’s in teaching, and went on to teach English Language Arts to high schoolers for several years. As an intern at The Everymom, Katherine writes about topics such as maternal wellness, sex and relationships, and more.